I am so appreciative that you take time out of your busy days to stop by my little corner on the web. It is a treat for me.When I started blogging in 2008 the blog landscape was quite different; very few people were making a living from their blogs, people commented regularly and competition was almost non-existent. It was a lot easier for part-time bloggers to food blog 5+ years ago.

Now, things look quite different. Its amazing how Pinterest and professional quality photos change things. And, although the days of comments are of the past, I am delighted that you are still using recipes you find here, and take the time to pin the recipes that grab your attention.

So what can you expect from Finding Joy in My Kitchen in 2014?

A new logo (stop over and take a peek if you haven’t seen it)! I love it; didn’t Leah do an outstanding job?! She captured everything about my blog that I love in one simple logo.

Wholesome ingredients.

Family friendly recipes from scratch.

Real photos. No staging or photoshop here. I want you to see what you will get when you make the recipe.

Consistency. Weekly I’ll share 2-3 recipes plus a meal plan.

It’s my hope that Finding Joy in My Kitchen will continue to be a place you turn to for dependable recipes that your family will love, and that you too, will find JOY in your kitchen. Here’s to a great 2014!

I have been reading your blog for a few years now. We are fulltime working parents and I always reference your recipes when menu planning. We eat a variation of your baked oatmeal every week and actually had Lazy Sunday casserole tonight (a hubby favorite). I look forward to what you will share in 2014!

Isn't menu planning a lifesaver when working outside of the home?! I know it is for us, and I am glad that you are finding good ideas here. We love baked oatmeal, and I'm glad we're not the only ones who eat it almost weekly :) And, that Lazy Sunday casserole has to be a favorite of ours too. Blessings in 2014.

I too have followed you for a few years now and SO love your blog!! I can not tell you how many recipes I had made and you are one of my "go to" blogs when meal planning. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication...it is appreciated!!

Thank you for being consistent. I don't have a blog, but blog hop to check out new recipes.Your blog is one I check frequently. So glad that you will be continuing this next year. I am from Northern California and won't even mention the the weather! Thanks and keep up the good work!

Hi -- I rarely comment anywhere, but I did want to take a moment right now to let you know I don't follow pinterest -- but I DO come to your blog almost daily to see if there's anything new up. Have tried numerous recipes and enjoyed each of them. Thanks for taking the time to plan, cook, photograph and post! Blessings for the New Year!Carolyn Stutz

Thank you so much for your blogging! This is my favorite food blog. A friend of yours from college , jackie j. introduced me to it years ago and we have followed faithfully ever since. My kids favorite lunch is your broccoli, black beans and rice!

When cooking, please make sure to follow kitchen hygiene and safety -- cook meat until internal temperature is at safe levels, always check labels for allergens, and use caution in the kitchen -- I love sharing recipes, but I am not liable for damages done as a result of trying these recipes.